What does Luke 2:33 mean?

Joseph is Jesus' adoptive father, and Mary is His earthly mother (Luke 1:34–35). The couple has brought the infant Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem for required purification rites (Luke 2:22–24). There, they encountered a devout man, Simeon (Luke 2:25–27), who held Jesus and praised God for the arrival of the Messiah (Luke 2:28–32).

Prior to this, both Mary (Luke 1:26–27) and Joseph (Matthew 1:20) had angelic encounters about Jesus. Still, they "marvel" at what Simeon says. This is from a Greek term which means being "amazed" or "astonished." Some of that impression might be the messenger; Simeon is impressively influenced by the Holy Spirit (Luke 2:27).

Another reason for their amazement may be Simeon's references to the scope of Jesus' ministry. Simeon's celebration included references to Jesus' ministry influencing "all peoples" (Luke 2:31) and even "the Gentiles" (Luke 2:32). Old Testament prophecies about Christ's role in rescuing Israel were well-known and often repeated (Isaiah 9:6–7). It was common for Jews to miss—or even be offended by—the idea that non-Jews would be saved, as well (Isaiah 49:6; 52:10; Acts 22:21–22). It's possible Mary and Joseph hadn't fully realized that Jesus would be the Savior of the entire world.

The encounter with Simeon won't be all positive, however. Before leaving the temple, Simeon will predict the controversy associated with Jesus' ministry. He will also warn Mary about the pain she will experience as she watches these events unfold (Luke 2:34–35).